Arrived in Penitenes (2500m)

Penitentes

It’s nearly time to swap cars for mules, shoes for mountaineering boots and my iPad for a map…because tomorrow we start the expedition!

The journey between Mendoza and Penitentes was spectacular. We had great views of the surrounding peaks and huge glacier valleys but we still have not set eyes on Aconcagua.

The weather here in Penitentes is clear and sunny if not a little hot ~29c (Even at 2500m).

Sorting the Dried Food

We have checked the equipment (tents, cooking gear, first aid), selected our dried meals and packed our day packs as light as possible. For the first 4 days the mules will carry the heavier equipment (crampons, sleeping bags and axe etc) then when we get to base camp (Plaza Argentinas) we will switch to the 70ltr expedition packs to shuttle heavy loads up the mountain to the high camps.

Now it’s time to get some rest at the lodge before we get our expedition to complete a full traverse of Aconcagua underway.

Me